ICGP GP Training Recruitment 2027 Has Officially Started — Here’s What Doctors Need to Know

It’s that time of year again.

The Irish College of GPs has officially released key information for the 2027 GP Training Recruitment process in Ireland, and this year there is one major update that every applicant must understand before applying.

For doctors hoping to become a GP in Ireland, especially international medical graduates, UK doctors, EU graduates, Stamp 4 holders and doctors currently working in Ireland, this is the moment to get organised.

The competition is real, the timeline is tight, and the eligibility rules matter more than ever.

Key ICGP GP Training Dates for 2027 Intake

The ICGP has confirmed the main dates for the 2027 GP Training Selection Process.

Applicants should keep checking the official ICGP website, as dates may be subject to change.

The Big Change: Eligibility Is Now Checked at Application A

This is the most important update for 2027.

In previous years, many applicants focused mainly on preparing for the SJT and CPST first, with more detailed eligibility checks happening later in the process.

For the 2027 intake, applicants must pay close attention to eligibility from the very beginning.

At Application A stage, applicants are required to provide evidence that they are eligible to work in Ireland. This means you cannot simply apply first and sort out your immigration or work permission later.

Your documentation must be valid and submitted at the time of Application A.

Who Can Apply for GP Training Ireland 2027?

According to the ICGP 2027 application guidance, Application A is applicable to doctors who, at the time of application, are:

• Irish citizens
• EU citizens
• EEA citizens
• UK citizens
• Holders of valid Irish work permission, such as Stamp 1, Stamp 1G, Stamp 1H, Stamp 4 or Stamp 4 EUFAM

Applicants must upload proof of citizenship or work permission as part of Application A.

This is especially important for international medical graduates and doctors currently outside Ireland who are planning to apply for GP training in Ireland.

Can Doctors Outside Ireland Apply for GP Training 2027?

This is the question many doctors are asking.

The key issue is not simply whether you are inside or outside Ireland physically. The key issue is whether you can provide the required proof of citizenship or current valid Irish work permission at the time of Application A.

If you are an Irish, EU, EEA, UK or Swiss passport holder, you may be able to apply using your passport documentation.

If you are a non-EU doctor, you need to carefully check whether you hold an acceptable Irish immigration permission at the time of Application A.

If you are still waiting for immigration permission, Stamp 4, Stamp 1G, Stamp 1H, IMC registration or eligibility documentation, do not assume you can submit these later. The ICGP guidance states that documents must be submitted at Application A and changes after submission may not be considered.

Stamp 4, Stamp 1G and Stamp 1H: Why This Matters

For 2027 GP Training Recruitment, immigration status is not just a paperwork issue. It can affect eligibility and allocation.

The ICGP FAQ explains that applicants are divided into groups for ranking and allocation.

Group 1 includes:

• Irish nationals
• UK nationals
• EU nationals
• Stamp 4 holders
• Stamp 4 EUFAM holders

These candidates are treated equally in ranking and allocation.

Group 2 includes:

• Stamp 1G holders
• Stamp 1H holders

Offers to Group 2 candidates may only be made when Group 1 candidates have been exhausted, based on ranking and scheme preference selection.

This means that even if you are allowed to sit the SJT and CPST, your immigration status may still affect your chance of receiving an offer.

IMC Registration and Trainee Specialist Division Eligibility

Applicants must also be eligible for registration on the Trainee Specialist Division of the Irish Medical Council.

The ICGP guidance includes several routes, including doctors who are currently or previously registered with the IMC, doctors who have completed or will complete internship in Ireland, certain UK graduates, certain EU graduates, and doctors with confirmation of eligibility from the IMC for the General Register.

For doctors who qualified outside the EU, the IMC process can take time. If you need PRES, an exemption, internship recognition, or confirmation of eligibility, you should not leave this until the last minute.

SJT and CPST Exam Dates 2027 Intake

The SJT and CPST exams for GP Training Ireland 2027 will take place on:

Wednesday 4 November 2026 and Thursday 5 November 2026

These are online invigilated assessments.

Applicants who complete Application A, meet the eligibility criteria, pay the application fee and complete the required pre-test checks will be invited to sit the exams.

What Is the SJT?

The Situational Judgement Test assesses professional judgement.

It focuses on areas such as:

• Professionalism
• Empathy
• Integrity
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Patient safety
• Coping with pressure
• Appropriate escalation
• Ethical decision-making

The SJT is not a clinical knowledge test. It is about how you behave as a safe, professional doctor in realistic workplace situations.

The ICGP states that the SJT contains approximately 45 scenarios. Questions may involve ranking five options or choosing three appropriate actions from eight options.

What Is the CPST?

The Clinical Problem-Solving Test assesses clinical knowledge and decision-making.

It usually includes approximately 50 single best answer questions based on common clinical presentations.

The CPST tests your ability to:

• Diagnose common conditions
• Choose appropriate investigations
• Manage clinical presentations safely
• Recognise red flags
• Understand the level expected of a doctor entering GP training

The standard expected is around current intern level, but the exam can feel challenging because of time pressure and the need to choose the single most appropriate answer.

Why Early Preparation Matters This Year

This year, preparation is not only about studying questions.

You need to prepare in three ways:

1. Check your eligibility early.
2. Prepare your documents before Application A closes.
3. Start SJT and CPST practice well before the November exam.

Do not wait until the final week.

Many applicants lose valuable time trying to understand the process, gather documents, confirm IMC eligibility or clarify immigration status. By the time they start proper exam preparation, the exam is already close.

The strongest applicants usually start early, practise consistently and understand the Irish GP training context.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Avoid these mistakes during the 2027 GP Training application process:

• Applying without checking work permission requirements
• Assuming documents can be submitted after the Application A deadline
• Waiting too long to start IMC registration or eligibility checks
• Underestimating the SJT
• Treating CPST like a general medical school exam
• Ignoring Irish healthcare context
• Leaving references until the last minute
• Not checking the official ICGP website regularly

How to prepare for SJT & CPST!

With the 2027 GP Training recruitment season approaching, many doctors are now looking for a structured way to prepare for the SJT and CPST exams in Ireland.

This is where GPQuestPro has become a valuable resource for candidates. Over the past 3 years, it has developed as an Irish-oriented preparation platform focused on the style, structure and expectations of the GP Training selection process.

For candidates preparing for the ICGP SJT and CPST exams, GPQuestPro offers:

• Irish-oriented SJT practice scenarios
• CPST-style clinical questions
• Exam-focused explanations
• High-yield preparation for busy doctors
• Content designed around the Irish GP Training recruitment process
• Updated Q-Bank resources for the 2027 exam season

Another exciting feature is the introduction of SJT/CPST Drill Weeks through the GPQuestPro WhatsApp channel.

These drill weeks are designed to keep candidates engaged, focused and consistent in the final build-up to the exam. They may include regular practice questions, high-yield discussion points, exam-style scenarios, quick revision prompts and guidance on how to approach common SJT and CPST themes.

For many applicants, especially those working full-time, this kind of regular, bite-sized revision can make preparation feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

As the exam season gets closer, candidates are encouraged to keep checking the GPQuestPro website and WhatsApp channel for new Q-Bank updates, SJT/CPST Drill Weeks and additional preparation resources.

If GP Training Ireland 2027 is your goal, this is the time to start preparing with focus, consistency and the right exam strategy.

Final Message for 2027 Applicants

The 2027 GP Training Recruitment process has officially begun, and this year the eligibility rules deserve close attention.

Before you focus only on the SJT and CPST, make sure you understand whether you can apply, what documents you need, and whether your citizenship or immigration status meets the requirements at Application A stage. Then start preparing! A few focused weeks can change your career path.

Source of information: ICGP Website 

Related Blogs You’ll Love !

Guide to GP Trainee Recruitment Ireland – 2026

Guide to GP Trainee Recruitment Ireland – 2025

How to prepare for SJT & CPST

Overview of General Practice In Ireland

BE A GP